Nov. 5: Don’t get excited about Pedro

Of course you’ve heard Pedro Martinez told the AP in the Dominican Republic he would consider retirement if he can’t come back 100 percent physically from rotator cuff surgery.

What else did you expect him to say? If he can’t throw, he can’t throw. Quite frankly, I would have been surprised if he hadn’t said it. He hasn’t even begun throwing yet, so it is way too soon to give up on the guy.

HOWEVER … and this is important, the Mets have to conduct business with the belief this guy will never throw another pitch for them. They’ve already sent out feelers regarding Mark Mulder. They’ll also look into Barry Zito and Jason Schmidt.

And, they’ll bring back Tom Glavine. The Mets have to look as Martinez’s return as a bonus and nothing they can rely on. That’s why his comments have to be looked at as a positive because it is a reality check as to what they have to do.

It is interesting. Funny thing, Pedro mumbled retirement this spring when he was rehabbing foot problems and when he went on DL this summer. He said if he’s not healthy enough to pitch he would call it quits. What else would he say? I won’t pretend I know him that well, but from what I could pick up he seems like he’s a prideful guy and doesn’t want to leave the game as a shell of what he used to be.

I wonder if a player retires, as opposed to contining to try in vein to rehab, does he forfeit what is left on his contract? I don’t know, but I would assume that if the retirement is due to a game-related injury, the money is still guaranteed.